NEW PURPOSE

Renewed #4

Pastor Brandon Cross

Woodland Church

Sunday, August 23, 2026

(2 Corinthians 5:18-21) “Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”

MAIN IDEA:

When we understand whose we are (we belong to Jesus! – “New Master”) and that we have “New Power” living within us in the Holy Spirit that is able to do the impossible; we need to embrace the “New Purpose” that God has given us in Christ to represent Him to ALL people and to help others find the restoration and renewal we have received.

NEW PURPOSE IN CHRIST:

1.  Ambassadorial Mission

• Believers are called to be ministers and ambassadors for Christ, sharing the hope of the gospel.

• Believers are commissioned to represent Jesus’ kingdom on Earth, carrying out his will and serving as ministers of reconciliation.

• We are to embody Christ’s character, acting as his messengers to invite others to be reconciled to God, acting with urgency and the authority of heaven.

a.  The Calling (Verse 18): Anyone who has been restored by God is immediately given a job: to help others find that same restoration.

b.  The Sacred Trust (Verse 19): God trusted human messengers to carry this specific news, called the Gospel, to the rest of the world.

c.  An Urgent Plea (Verse 20): The word “implore” shows intense urgency. It is a begging request for people to accept God’s peace offer before it is too late.

d.  The Divine Exchange (Verse 21): In return, those who trust in Christ receive His perfect legal standing. God now views them as perfectly righteous

Believers are treated as royal diplomats sent out to announce that the King has successfully signed a peace treaty.

CONCLUSION:

1.  The Calling: Anyone who has been restored by God is immediately given a job: to help others find that same restoration.

Question: What Does this Mean?

2.  Share the Message (Share the Gospel): Tell others how Jesus brings peace between God and people.

a.  Share the Problem of Sin

• Separation from God: Tell others that wrong choices make a wall between us and God. (ref. Isaiah 59:2)

• All Have Sinned: Explain that every person falls short of God’s perfect standard. (ref. Romans 3:23)

b.  Share the Solution in Jesus

• Justified by faith: Explain that trusting Jesus gives us peace with God. (ref. Romans 5:1)

• Peace through the cross: Share that Jesus made peace by shedding His blood on the cross. (ref. Colossians 1:20)

• Brought near: Read how Jesus brings those who were far away close to God through His body. (ref. Ephesians 2:13-14)

APPLICATION:

1.  Forgive Others Quickly: Show the same radical forgiveness to people that God showed to you.

2.  Share Your Story: Tell others how God transformed your life and brought you peace.

3.  Build Unity: Actively work to heal broken relationships in your family, church, and community.

4.  Pray for the Lost: Ask God to open the hearts of people who do not know Him yet.